Square Anthias inquiry

[Sultan1]

I purchased a male square anthias in my 150 gallon tank and he is doing fine. I am considering purchasing a female. What are your thoughts?

 

[Cliving1]

I would buy 2 females. What else is in the tank?

 

[Sultan1]

Several non aggressive fish. Any reason why 2 and not 1?
Thanks.

 

[mike61289]

The male might try to establish dominance over a female to prevent her from transitioning into a male. It can be really stressful on a single female. Adding 2 females would split the initial stress between both so that neither gets too beat up.

 

[Cliving1]

The male might try to establish dominance over a female to prevent her from transitioning into a male. It can be really stressful on a single female. Adding 2 females would split the initial stress between both so that neither gets too beat up.

Agreed. and I believe most anthias live in odd numbers with 1 male at the top. So either 2 or 4 females.